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The story is urgent and timely; the problem is the approach, which says murder's fine if you're a good guy. Waters and crew engage in slaughter just as ruthless as the "villains", and yet we're supposed to root for them because they don't rape or torture their victims. This rah-rah fanatical attitude undermines the film; it's like Three Kings without the cynicism! That said, the film's first third sets the scene brilliantly, establishing characters that rise above stereotypes. Willis is good in an introspective, steely way; while Bellucci is more than beautiful ... she's tough, relentless and determined to do good amid the carnage (to be fair, she is horrified by the Americans' actions). Fuqua directs the film with his usual stylist touch--visually interesting without overwhelming the story or characters. He sharply captures the cultural mix and begins to touch on the real horrors of modern day Africa, as well as reluctant heroism. But there are some laughably corny scenes (Skerritt's captain only radios Waters from the busy flight deck of an aircraft carrier. What happened to the quiet radio room?). As he progresses, Fuqua starts cranking up the message, which is more than a little disturbing as it justifies brutality if you're on the right side. But in a world where no one thinks they're wrong, where will this mindset lead us?